Stay home this weekend to help keep Tasmanians safe

Tasmanians have been reminded to stay home to help keep everyone safe this weekend.

Police have conducted over 3500 checks on people in quarantine across the State. Police are being supported by personnel from Tasmania Fire Service, State Emergency Service and the Australian Defence Force and these checks are ongoing.

“I’d like to thank the ADF, TFS and SES volunteers for their assistance in carrying out compliance checks. This is a great way of working together and we’ve had positive feedback from members of the public,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said.

“Our message to everyone is this weekend, please stay home. Don’t go to your shacks on the East Coast or Bruny Island – you will be bringing unnecessary risk to those small communities.

“Some of these communities have experienced a lot of rain over the past 24 hours – consider asking a friend who is there to check, if you must go then limit your time there.

“For those people worried about security of their properties, be reassured that police will be undertaking additional patrols in those areas.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner Higgins warned people not to be complacent about the restrictions.

“The measures have been implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 and police will be enforcing them.

“Be mindful of physical distancing, police will be attending markets to ensure the restrictions are being adhered to. Buy what you need and then go straight home.

“By now, everyone knows what they must do. If you have any questions, visit the coronavirus website www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au.”

Under the Emergency Management Act, there is a penalty of up to 100 penalty units ($16,800) or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months for failing to comply with a lawful requirement or direction of an emergency management worker.

/Public Release. View in full here.